Recently I stumbled upon a delightful children's book that stopped me in my tracks. It was about a set of twin bugs named Pixie and Trixie that lived in an enchanting little place called Rollingbrook Way. As I listened to my six year old daughter read the book to my twin girls, it made me tear up in a very familiar way. She stopped reading to explain (to two year olds, mind you), that even though Pixie and Trixie are also twins, they are different in many ways. Even though they love spending time with friends and each other, they have different likes and dislikes. For example, one loves ballet while the other likes to sing...

Many of the characters in this wonderful book have their own lessons to teach. One particular character is Daphne the Doodlebug, who, like many autistic children, doesn't like loud noises or bright lights. Then, there's Delilah the Dragonfly who ran into everything before discovering that she needed glasses. Once she put glasses on, she was soaring through the sky without bumping into anything. There's also Willy, the walking stick; a really cool bug who uses a wheelchair to get around.

The book is an all around feel good book that teaches children that they are each special in their very own way, and that it's a fabulous thing to be different. It's what makes you, you. I cannot say enough about the book's wonderful and vivid illustrations. It's one of those books where you have to touch the pages to make sure you arenít missing out on a 3D experience. My girls take the book to touch and stare at the pages after I've finished reading it. The scenery and characters really do seem to jump to life right before your eyes!

I always ask my daughter a couple of questions after reading a book, and I was very happy to hear what she had to say about it. In her opinion, this book is about cool and special bugs that live together and get along no matter what. I asked her what her favorite character was and she quickly answered Delilah (because her closest friend in school wore glasses too and was made fun of often). What a wonderful feeling it is to know that there are children's books out there that teach more than just the basics without the lecture. The fact that Pixie and Trixie Bug (by Lauri B. Rosen) makes children aware of illnesses like autism and physical handicaps makes this my absolute favorite children's book. I've always felt satisfaction from giving children gifts that not only entertain, but have a lesson behind them; and this book does both very well. Heck, I even know a good amount of adults that would benefit from reading it!

Pixie and Trixie Bug is written by Lauri B. Rosen and beautifully illustrated by Bill Megenhardt and can be purchased directly from http://childrenschapters.com/lauris-stories-kids-storytime/.